Mr. Smith Stays in Washington

My mom took me to my first movie in 1939 to see the “Wizard of Oz.” I was too young to understand the subtleties of the movie then, but I sure enjoyed the experience. My dad took me to see my second 1939 movie in 1940: “Gone With the Wind.” Another classic, sandwiched in between them was a movie I didn’t see until many years later: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” There again, I didn’t understand the ramifications of this unique story. I do now!

The film was controversial when it was first released, however it was a box office hit and it made Jimmy Stewart a major movie star. It is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. The Library of Congressselected the film for preservation in the United States National Film Registryin 1989, deeming it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

How Mr. Smith got to Washington

A naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, was appointed as a joke by the spineless governor of his state. (Not mentioned, but it was Montana in the original story.) He joins Senator Joseph Paine, the state's senior senator, presidential hopeful and childhood hero. Smith, nevertheless discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process in Washington, DC, now known affectionately as the “Swamp.” His heartfelt goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor, who attempts to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal. Sound familiar?

Fast Forward to the 21st Century

The Senate is still corrupted, and the Senators are extending their stays because something went horribly wrong in America in 1913. In 1911, the House of Representatives passed House Joint Resolution 39 proposing a constitutional amendment for direct election of senators. However, it included a “race rider” meant to bar Federal intervention in cases of racial discrimination among voters. A substitute amendment by Senator Joseph L. Bristow (R-KS) removed the “race rider.”

This is another example of racist Democrats blocking civil rights and Republicans standing up for people of color.

The amended Joint Resolution was adopted by the Senate on a close vote in May 1911. A year later, the House accepted the change, and the amendment was sent to the states for ratification. By April 8, 1913, three-quarters of the states had ratified the proposed amendment, and it was officially included as the 17th Amendment.

The 17th Amendment was part of a wave of “progressive” constitutional reforms that sought to make the Constitution, and our nation, more democratic. It gave Americans the right to vote directly for their Senators, thereby strengthening the link between citizens and the federal government. The keyword “progressive” to make democratic in place of representative republic.

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The Country turned Upside Down

The 17th Amendment wrenched representation from the states and gave it to the federal government. The Senate was designed to represent the several states in the Swamp. The House was designed to represent the people. When the states lost their right of representation, it took power from the states and gave it to the federal government. Now Senators are elected in popularity contests.

The Constitutional hierarchy was to have “We the People” on top, the states beholding to the people with the federal government being a creation of the states. Now, the states are regional departments of the federal government and “We the People” be damned.

How It Was Supposed to Work

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the state legislatures for six years. Each Senator shall have one vote. The Founding Fathers never envisioned career politicians staying in the Swamp forever to soak up absolute power and extraordinary riches.

There have been 102 Congressmen who have served more than 36 years in the House or Senate. Eight (8) of them have served more than 50 years. That stretches the limit. A fresh approach is crucial with these dispirited disapproval ratings. Currently term limits do not exist. Rotation of Authority is needed and rules must be put in place to constrain and regulate the time spent on fund raising and campaigning.

The 20/20 Vision Solution

The 20/20 Plan sets term limits for elected officials. Senators serve a six-year term. The 20/20 Plan limits Senators to 2 terms, or 12 years. The terms of the 100 Senators are staggered in order that one-third are up for election each two-year election cycle. The 20/20 Plan supports repeal of the 17th Amendment to permit state legislatures to appoint Senators.

You can read revealing revelations and sound solutions like these in 20/20: A Clear Vision for America. My book has solid answers to every problem the political establishment has imposed on “We the People.” It is the American guide to drain the Swamp.

Read more of my “casual sarcastic” articles to discover that I am an equal opportunity critic of all types of anarchy and nonsense. Check out the blog.

The 20/20 Vision of America

My call to action to create honesty and integrity whereas citizens realize government is the hindrance, not the answer to a bright future for their children.

The Perfect Gift for Father's Day

20/20: A Clear Vision for America is priced perfectly. A priceless value. You can spend a lot more, but your recipient will never receive as much value as a gift that is personally inscribed and signed by the author. And the author pays all shipping and handling charges plus any applicable taxes. There are no extra charges.

All this value for so little effort. No shopping. No lugging stuff. No standing in long lines. No looking for your auto in a cold parking lot. It’s all done for you.

The Gift with the Perfect Message

The reader will learn how to regain our country’s liberty and freedom. They will relate to the 20 solutions to America’s 20 worst problems that are intensified by senseless policies imposed by the political establishment. 20/20: A Clear Vision for America is a book of common-sense answers written in a style readers can readily identify with.

Something Extra Special for that Extra Special Person

Did you know many of us support inventors, authors, artists and other entrepreneurs through crowdfunding? It’s a wonderful way to help independent creators bring their projects to life.

Did you know that many authors use the names of their family and friends as characters in their books? It is a way to honor and memorialize loved ones.

Do you know that I am writing a new book and need family and friends to help tell the story of the Constitution and other important topics? Did you know that I want to honor you with a part in the narrative?

Do you know that the names of my backers and supporters are on my webpage? Do you know that those backers and supporters will also be acknowledged forever in print in my new book?

Do you know that I would be honored to have your name listed as one of my backers and supporters? Do you know that I want you to be on my team? Did you know how important it is that I hear from you?

Do you know there will be a void in my book and in my heart if you don’t appear in my new 20/20 Vision book? It’s safe and easy to go to my website and pledge $250, $100, or $50 and you’ll get lots of priceless rewards including lots of signed books as gifts to your family and friends who will read your name in the new book.Time is running out. I need your name now!

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Finally, an author who brings you solutions, instead of problems.

Americans have lost faith in their overreaching federal government. “We the People” don’t need to be overregulated or have their taxes misspent. Americans are victims of a crumbling economy, high prices and stagnant wages. They view government as bloated and politicians as corrupt.

They do not trust the leadership at any level. They see politicians of both parties as self-centered narcissists whose only objective is re-election. The author is like you, with one principal difference and 20 reasons for optimism. His “Vision” of America is “clear.” It is a vision of the Constitution and America the way it could be, the way it should be. The author’s eyesight is twenty-twenty.